“Several of our number were arrested, and released in the early hours pending investigation. They have rejoined the ranks.

“We're currently mostly centred in Parliament Square recharging our internal batteries, and performing outreach activity with members of the public, most of whom are very interested in our messages, even bringing gifts of food, water and coffee to keep us going.

“The atmosphere here is full of life and energy, with all sorts of activities going on - citizens' assemblies, games, speeches, foot washing, performance art etcetera.

"We think shutting down one tube line for a few hours is a small price to pay."#ExtinctionRebellion campaigner, Rupert Read explains why protesters have caused disruption to public transport in London.

“Lots more to come, and we still have lots of Norwich activists on site, with more joining tomorrow.

“I am constantly enthused by the number of different people, of different ages, and from different walks of life, who are joining the rebellion.”

Organisers behind the climate change protest which has brought parts of central London to its knees say they are prepared to escalate the group's tactics if their demands “are not met” - with “thousands more rebels” expected to join in the coming days.

Dr Gail Bradbrook, a co-founder of the Extinction Rebellion (XR) group, said demonstrators would continue to act despite the first people being charged over the disruption.

There was also speculation that Extinction Rebellion activists would “shut down Heathrow” over the Easter weekend.

Sajid Javid said more than 1,000 police officers a day have been deployed to deal with the demonstrations in the capital as he urged police to use the “full force of the law”.

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